Update. In comments, we have a perfect (albeit in reverse order) question and answer that are worth highlighting. First from an anonymous commenter, writing what I'm sure is a common sentiment even among beer geeks:

who really cares? I can't believe or understand the amount of
discussion/buzz/debate this has caused. I mean petitions, endless
blog/twitter/facebook posts, and freedom of information act requests?
All to find out what is likely a bad to mediocre "honey ale" recipe.
wow.

Maybe it will be normal. That your supreme leader, the leader of the
western world, advocates for "tasty" beer is a massive victory for me.

Being the president gives you a huge spotlight, and one of the virtues of the office is bringing a few causes you like into the light with you. It costs nothing, is not politically costly, unites rather than divides, and generally makes everyone happy. I'm with Alan.

who really cares? I can't believe or understand the amount of discussion/buzz/debate this has caused. I mean petitions, endless blog/twitter/facebook posts, and freedom of information act requests? All to find out what is likely a bad to mediocre "honey ale" recipe. wow.